South Korea is considering sending weapons to Ukraine as North Korea deepens its military ties with Russia, potentially sending thousands of troops to aid Moscow in the ongoing war. This marks a significant shift in South Korea’s stance, which has previously avoided supplying arms to countries engaged in active conflict.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) recently revealed that 1,500 North Korean special forces have already been dispatched to Russia’s far east for training. In total, up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are expected to be sent to bolster Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. This growing alliance between Russia and North Korea has alarmed Seoul, prompting a potential policy reversal.
A senior official from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office hinted at the shift, saying, “We are considering providing defensive weapons, and offensive capabilities may also be on the table if necessary.” This would be the most proactive position South Korea has taken since the war began.
The move comes as Ukraine faces a severe shortage of munitions and has called for international support. Meanwhile, North Korea’s involvement has raised concerns of a broader conflict, with the UK warning that Russia’s reliance on Pyongyang signals a dangerous desperation.
South Korea’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for both the war in Ukraine and global geopolitics. The world now waits to see if Seoul will take a historic step in arming Ukraine amid rising tensions.
